Jim Thome becomes just the eighth major league player to hit 600 home runs. Sporting News takes a look back at the slugger's career. (AP Photo)

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Rocking in Cleveland

Thome celebrates after watching his two-run homer clear the fence against the Seattle Mariners during Game 5 of the ALCS in 1995. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)

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Opening day walkoff

Cleveland fans erupt as Thome rounds first base on a 10th-inning three-run home run to beat the Anaheim Angels on April 10, 1998. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)

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No. 300

Thome hits his 300th career home run vs. the Twins on June 5, 2002. (AP Photo/Eric Miller)

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First of many

Thome hits a home run in the first inning of an exhibition game in Philadelphia on April 3, 2004. It was the first home run at Citizens Bank Park. (AP Photo/Rusty Kennedy)

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No. 500

Thome (25) is greeted at home plate by White Sox teammates after hitting a walkoff, two-run home run against the Angels for the 500th dinger of his career on Sept. 16, 2007. (AP Photo/Jerry Lai)

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Curtain call

Thome waves to fans as he leaves the field after hitting his 500th home run on Sept. 16, 2007. (AP Photo/Jerry Lai)

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A portrait in excellence

Thome poses for a portrait at PNC Park in Pittsburgh in 2006. (Albert Dickson/Sporting News)

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Conquering hero

Thome, second left, is mobbed by teammates after hitting a two-run homer in the bottom of the tenth inning to lead the Twins to a dramatic 7-6 win over the White Sox on Aug. 17, 2010. (AP Photo/John Autey - St. Paul Pioneer Press)

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Closing in on 600

Thome rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the Indians on Sept. 21, 2010. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)

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Man of the moment

Twins slugger Jim Thome rounds the bases after hitting his his 600th career home run, Aug. 15, 2011, in Detroit. Thome becomes the eighth major leaguer to reach 600 homers. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)